Superior PT_Getting to the Core of Back and Neck Pain_082521

Superior PT_Getting to the Core of Back and Neck Pain_082521

GETTING TO THE CORE OF BACK AND NECK PAIN

INSIDE:

• Back Pain 101 • Staff Spotlight

• Pumpkin Soup • Exercise Essentials

OCTOBER 2021

INSIDE: • BACK PAIN 101 • STAFF SPOTLIGHT • PUMPKIN SOUP • EXERCISE ESSENTIALS

Getting to the Core of Back & Neck Pain Back and neck pain are two of the most common issues that American adults experience, putting a huge physical and economic burden on working Americans by being both two of the leading needs for medical intervention and two of the most common causes people have to miss work. While these may feel like two separate issues, it is somewhat common that neck pain and back pain are actually related. Core strength can have a huge impact on your overall health and wellness, and when your core is weak, it could add up to weakness in your neck and back. Neck Pain 101 One of the biggest problems with neck pain is that it often triggers headaches, as the pain is so closely connected to the spine and nervous system. What is more, addressing neck pain is sometimes difficult as there is so much potential to cause more damage to the neck. This is why working with a physical therapist to address neck pain is wise. A physical therapist can help treat neck pain by improving range of motion, using targeted massage techniques, and by improving strength as needed. For example, in many situations, neck pain can be treated by improving core strength.

There are a lot of reasons why neck pain may develop, including everything from sudden incidents like a car accident or a slip- and-fall injury, to more chronic issues, such as regularly hunching over a desk at work or even practicing poor posture.

We will get you back to living life free from pain. Call us or visit us at www.superiorphysicaltherapy.org

Come back to physical therapy today! Call us or visit us at www.superiorphysicaltherapy.org

HEALTHY RECIPE: PUMPK I N SOUP

FEATURED TREATMENT: THE ALT ER G . We offer the innovative Alter-G, anti-gravity treadmill in all three of our Southeastern Idaho clinics. Alter-Gallows patients to rehabilitate with less pain while reducing the risk of further injury. Great for athletes, orthopedic patients, people experiencing chronic pain, those suffering from neurological conditions and those looking to lose weight.

• ½ tsp chopped fresh thyme • 1 clove garlic, minced • ½ c heavy whipping cream • 2 tsp black pepper

• 6 c vegetable stock • 1½ tsp salt • 4 c pumpkin puree • 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley • 1 cup chopped onion

Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered. Puree the soup in small batches (1 c at a time) using a food processor or blender. Return to pan, and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in heavy cream. Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/9191/pumpkin-soup/

EXERCISE ESSENTIALS T RY T H I S MOV EMENT TO S T R E TCH YOUR BACK .

STAFF SPOTL IGHT

STANDING EXTENSIONS Stand up straight. Place your hands on the small of your back. Lean backward as far as possible, keeping your knees straight. Hold for 2 seconds and return to the starting position. Complete 10 reps. Repeat up to 8 times per day as needed.

NATHAN CONNE L LY, PTA Nate grew up in Idaho Falls, ID. He spent most weekends and holidays at his family’s cabin in Victor, ID enjoying the outdoors. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Health Science and his Physical Therapist

exercises copyright of

Assistant degree from Idaho State University. Nate specializes in strength training and has advanced certification with Graston instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization. In his spare time Nate enjoys weight lifting, shooting sports, and spending time with his wife and 2 children.

w w w . s i m p l e s e t . n e t

Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

YOU CAN BE FREE OF YOUR PAIN! CALL TODAY OR VISIT US AT WWW.SUPERIORPHYSICALTHERAPY.ORG

BACK PAIN 101

A NOT E FROM OUR CEO

Severe back pain impacts more than half of the population, and many of those with pain in the back as a result of injury end up dealing with that pain long term. One of the biggest problems with back pain is that once it develops, it is difficult to work around it, and many people begin modifying their movements as a result, causing their back to compensate for the injury by putting pressure on other muscles that eventually just leads to more back pain.

Often patients with spine and pelvic pain present at physical therapy with the complaint that their back is “just out of alignment”. While the self diagnosis may or may not be completely accurate, they are often referring to pain that is associated with anything from mild degenerative conditions to muscle or postural problems and may not have an alignment issue as viewed by MR or X-ray imaging. But when is the spine truly out of alignment? Also,when patients report that their hip or back is “out”, what can PT do to treat the problem? True spinal alignment issues occur with scoliosis and kyphosis in early childhood and adolescence, and a referral for PT is often the first treatment option. Even in more severe cases where bracing is recommended, stabilization and postural exercises are a great long term solution for improved alignment and decreased reliance on support from a brace. In the middle aged to geriatric population, postural abnormalities can lead to degenerative changes and need to be addressed. Correcting these issues with early intervention with physical therapy can predictably save the patient significantly in future pain and medical bills, and improve long term functional outcomes. This past week I evaluated two different patients who came in for PT treatment reporting that their ‘hip was out.’ Well, while my evaluation clearly confirmed that their hip was not dislocated, I understood that what they were trying to describe was low back and pelvic pain with a temporary leg length discrepancy. I quickly evaluated the alignment issue,at the pelvis and SI joint, utilized a manual therapy technique to restore alignment, and measured a more symmetrical leg length corresponding to a reduction in their pain. Therefore, whether at the hip or pelvis, sometimes the medical description and patient description of being “out” may not accurately align, but the treatment outcomes certainly do. Finally, what about the patient that reports their back is ‘out’? Can physical therapists provide manual therapy techniques that will relieve mechanical facet pain and muscle spasms? Yes. High velocity low amplitude thrust manipulation techniques are available to patients through PT treatment at Superior Physical Therapy. Often the ‘pop’ or cavitation relieves pain, reduces muscle spasms and restores range of motion in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. However, such techniques are utilized with caution, and with the right patients, excluding those with risk factors that could cause iatrogenic issues. Obviously understanding how to treat is just as important as understanding when to treat in order to achieve the best patient outcomes. If you are suffering with spine and pelvic pain... call to schedule an appointment with us today at 208-233-2248! Our goal is to truly support our patients and our community. Changing lives, one patient at a time. Sincerely, Bart McDonald, PT, MPT, ECS, FMSK ABPTS Board Certified Clinical Electrophysiologist CEO Superior PT and Diagnostics

For this reason, back pain can frequently become a Catch-22 — avoiding the things that hurt your back could actually lead you to develop more pain in the future. Working with a physical therapist is the best way to cut your back pain issues in half. Physical therapy can address back pain by helping to improve your range of motion, strengthen the muscles in your back and surrounding areas, and by using targeted massage to reduce tension. In many situations, working with a physical therapist to improve core strength can significantly reduce the severity of your back pain. Core Strength and Back Pain You may be surprised how frequently issues with the neck and back actually stem from issues with core strength. Your core refers to the muscles that make up your torso, including your abdomen. These muscles are called the core because they are at the center of your body, and they are necessary in just about every action that you engage in. Everything from walking and running and swimming to sitting and driving require you to engage your core. There are a lot of reasons to improve core strength outside of any existing neck or back pain. When you improve your core, you are likely to also improve your posture and thereby reduce your risk of developing further back pain in the future. Furthermore, the exercise that helps to improve core strength is often helpful in promoting weight loss, and for those who are overweight, this could also help reduce pain in the neck and the back.

Sometimes, when your core is weak, it can cause you to experience added pressure on areas like your neck and back. There are a lot of ways that working with a physical therapist can help you improve your core strength. You may be encouraged to practice core exercises, for example, which may include abdominal crunches or leg lifts. Light weight-training activities are also frequently helpful, as are balance-based activities like yoga. If you haven’t spent much time building core strength in the past, then working with a physical therapist is a

great place to start. Your physical therapist will guide you through proper postures and movements to reduce further risk of injury. For more information about how to start improving your core, contact us.

You can find relief from your pain. Call Today or visit us at www.superiorphysicaltherapy.org We can help you live your life again, pain-free!

www.superiorphysicaltherapy.org